Simply utter the word Paris and your Instagram feed is flooded with Reels on best places to view the Eiffel Tower, foodie recommendations, and every other travel tip imaginable. It can be overwhelming, to say the least. So when I decided to take a solo trip to Paris recently, I started with a few saved places on my Google maps and a go-with-the-flow mindset for the rest of the trip. Here are some ideas if you want to try a last-minute solo vacation (or if you’re heading there for the 2024 Summer Olympics).
Lodging
For this trip to Paris, I decided to stay in the 18th arrondissement. I knew I wanted to be within walking distance of Montmartre, a beautiful district with cobblestone streets, gorgeous architecture and the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, which boasts stunning views of the city. I stumbled upon a third-floor walk-up on Rue du Simplon, about a 20-minute walk to the heart of Montmartre. The owner, Thomas, lists his one-bedroom apartment with a classic Parisian living room when he is away to make some money towards his own travels.
TIP: I always look at the location of the Airbnb on Google Maps to get a general idea of how far public transportation is and what is walkable in the area
Getting there
I flew on Norse, a Norwegian airline that offers low-cost flights between Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. Norse offers a la carte pricing where travelers can pay for exactly what they want. I opted for premium on the flight there and the most basic economy flight with an added carry-on for the way home. Both were comfortable and I’ve decided to stick to economy for my upcoming trip to Italy.
TIP: Norse weighs their carry-on bags and are very strict on the size of the personal bag. As long as you are good at packing light, flying economy with them is a great way to save.
Day 1
I arrived in Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport on a Friday afternoon and grabbed an Uber to Montmartre. I planned to make my way up the steps to Sacré-Cœur, but immediately stopped at Le Relais de la Butte for a glass of wine. Located at 12 Rue Ravignan, this restaurant’s outdoor seating perched on a steep hill offers the perfect first view of Paris.
From there, I made my way up to the iconic basilique. I took my time zig-zagging through the streets to the top, but if you’d prefer to avoid the 197 steps to the summit, there is the Montmartre Funicular that can take you to the top. From there I enjoyed panoramic views of the city. This is also where lovebirds have moved the infamous love locks to after they were removed from the Pont des Arts, formerly the “love-lock bridge.”
After stopping at a nearby supermarket and checking in to my Airbnb to freshen up, I walked to a wine bar called Cave le Quatre and enjoyed a glass of red and a charcuterie board. I people-watched and perused Google Maps to see what else was around me. Ultimately I decided to head to a small cocktail bar with a DJ called Desinvoltes, which ended up becoming my headquarters during my stay in the 18th. Owner Louca Campbell is the epitome of the friendly bartender who dishes out both delicious cocktails and perfect Paris recommendations.
After a few drinks, like any New Yorker I decided to look for a late-night food spot to grab something to eat on the way home. I stumbled upon La Cascade Istanbul, a Turkish fast-food restaurant serving up various sandwiches and fries.
TIP: Meeting new people while traveling alone can be fun, but use your judgment when going to new locations. Even abroad, I sometimes turn on my location for a friend to know where I am.
Day 2
Rain was forecasted for Saturday afternoon and I had tickets to the Louvre at 4p.m. So I decided to take my time on an hour-long walk to the 1st arrondissement, stopping at shops that caught my eye along the way. Once the rain started, I sat outside under the awning at Le Compas on Rue Montorgueil and enjoyed a cappuccino and strawberry crepes (I didn’t catch any side eyes for ordering a cappuccino so late)
When the rain subsided, I made my way to the glamorous department store Samaritaine before stopping along the bouquinistes along the Seine (vendors that line the Seine river) for a few souvenirs to bring home to family and friends.
I then spent several hours at the Louvre, of course catching a glimpse of the Mona Lisa before heading back home to freshen up for dinner.
For dinner, I opted to head to Fichon, as recommended by Louca over at Desinvoltes. Specializing in seafood and wines, I enjoyed a delicious octopus dish with a side of prawns. I then walked up the block to Bab-Ilo, a vintage-style jazz bar that was hosting a live set in the basement downstairs. There, I met a woman from California who was visiting Paris for the first time with her mom. Afterward, I headed back to Desinvoltes, which was even more lively than the night before. Spontaneously I ended up at Le 138 on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, a retro bar open 24 hours. I made my way back home around 6 a.m.
TIP: I’ve read that Louvre tickets for the early morning or late in the day are best. You can always purchase them when you arrive, just be sure to give yourself enough time to wait in the line.
Day 3
I slept in on Sunday after getting home so late. I decided to get a head start on work and did some writing as the breeze came in through the portes-fenêtres (windowed doors) overlooking the courtyard in my bedroom. Thanks to the late sunsets in Paris, my delayed start didn’t have affect my day’s plans. I grabbed the cheese, salami, and fruit I had bought at the supermarket and a tiny picnic basket I had just scored at a flea market in New Jersey. I then stopped to grab croissants and a bretzel from my corner bakery Le Nid à Pain before hopping in an Uber and heading to the Eiffel Tower.
While I often avoid being a cliché tourist, I also tend to be pretty extra, even at home in New York. So a solo picnic by the Eiffel Tower was not out of character for me. I munched on fresh cheese and my buttery croissant as I took in the view. I may have even taken a nap.
For dinner, I headed to Au Relais, where I enjoyed bavette frites (flank steak and fries) and a glass of wine before heading home to bed.
TIP: Ubers are very easy to use in Paris. Walking is the best option so that you can stop and visit places along the way, but it’s a great solution for greater distances and to get to the airport.
Day 4
For my last full day in Paris, I did a lot of walking. I started my day at the Marché Biron, a flea market with a red carpet that lines the span of the space, which Louca also recommended. I then ended up across the street at another flea market where I thrifted some vintage sunglasses and a purse.
Afterward, I trekked over to check out French Abroad, a small French boutique clothing store with playful sayings like ‘Oui Oui’ and ‘Not arrogant, just French’ embroidered on t-shirts, hoodies, and hats. I decided to make my way back to Montmartre- where it all began- enjoying my stroll by garment stores lined with textiles of all kinds along the sidewalks.
Once I was back in the hills of Montmartre, I stopped at a gift shop and grabbed a cute poster for my daughter, along with a new sticker for my laptop, and then made my way up to Chez Plumeau where I enjoyed a massive serving of mussels and fries.
I then ended my night at Aux Trois, a beautiful bar on Rue André Barsacq where both locals and tourists often gather. I spent the evening sitting at the bar and chatting with a couple who had moved to Paris from Ireland, two best friends visiting from Germany, and an awesome bartender who kept the conversation going throughout the night.
TIP: Be sure to have cash on hand when thrifting. And if you’re in the market for designer goods, learn more about how to tell when items are authentic. Check out these tips.
Heading home
The next day, I enjoyed another morning sleeping in before packing for my trip back home. Of course I had to stop one final time at the boulangerie on the corner to bring back some goodies so my kids could enjoy Parisian croissants the next morning. While I felt satisfied with just how much I packed into my short stay in Paris, I also knew I’d be back for more. If you haven’t yet taken a solo trip, here is your sign to go for it.
Au revoir!
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